Can you handle the truth? July 24, 2008

As I sat attentively watching and listening to CNN presents “Black in America, The Black Woman and Family,” I couldn’t help but wonder what kind of impact this “reality” would have on our community.  Will it be viewed as just another documentary or TV show?  Will we watch it for two days and forget that it aired in a week?  Or will it be a “wake up call” to seriously examine our attitudes and actions, make better choices, and simply make a decision live responsibly and be accountable by doing what’s right.  right. 

 

From the documentary an assumption would be that the black community is in peril.  Sure, we face disparities in education, a breakdown in family values, financial struggles, healthcare disadvantages, and chronic disease, specifically HIV/AIDS.  But I choose to believe that we are overcomers.   I know first hand about struggles as a single mother, but more importantly I know that my faith in Jesus Christ has sustained me.

  

We must be able to handle the truth about our attitude and actions within our own community, our society, and about non-blacks as a whole. 

 

Can we look within ourselves and ask the tough questions?  Some can; some will; some won’t because they choose not to.  Do we have the answers to justify the challenges we face?  No.  But God will give you strength for the journey as long as you remain confident in Him as your Source to carry you through whatever challenges you will ever face in life.

 

Can you handle the truth? 

Gift to the World – Dr. Michael DeBakey July 16, 2008

Dr. Michael DeBakey, a gift from God to the world!  A gift from God? Perhaps, many may question such a statement, but I choose to believe that we are all gifts from God and He has purposed us for greatness as measured by His timepiece. 

It’s obvious that Dr. DeBakey had the “gift of healing”  performing some 60,000 surgeries. His genius about the human heart provokes a divine symbolism since the heart is a matter of great concern to our spirituality. Dr. DeBakey lived a full life serving his fellowman, and doing what God called him to do.  What a blessing to reflect on a life well lived and spent making a difference in the world.  As I listened to his last interview with Dave Ward, anchor on KTRK-13 Houston, TX, what stood out most was to hear about his childhood in Lake Charles, LA, especially the part about  being a Sunday School student.  He said that he won a bible every year for his attendance.  How sobering to note that a world renown heart surgeon grew up a student of the Word of God.  It’s apparent that Dr. DeBakey got a solid foundation that prepared him for good success.

It reminds of what God said to Joshua, “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” -Joshua 1:8

Musings on Freedom July 4, 2008

American Flag

Independence Day, July 4th…

What a blessing to live in this great country America.  I think too often we take it for granted that we have the freedom that many others can only imagine.  It’s no wonder so many go the extreme to come to America; they will even die trying to get here…just for the opportunity to live in the United States of America.  Unfortunately, captialization has become a way of life to extort the dreams of others who desire the freedom we have.  When we really think about the freedom and opportunities we have, it’s really saddening to know that so many take it for granted.  Does this freedom we experience negate the problems and challenges we face?  I think not.  It would be unrealistic to live in a society where there are no challenges.  Sure.  We’ve got a long way to go, but overall we’ve come a longer way.

So this day, I must express my gratitude for the privleges I have as a citizen of the USA.  And this is my continuous prayer:  “God Bless America!”

Are you a grateful American?  What is it about this nation that makes you feel it’s a great place to call home?